'Too many IPL captains...': Abhishek Nayar explains circumstances surrounding India's Test vice-captain's absence

Abhishek Nayar, Team India's assistant coach, has clarified the rationale behind the absence of a designated vice-captain in the Indian Test team. While Rohit Sharma captains both the Test and ODI teams, and Suryakumar Yadav leads the T20I side, Shubman Gill holds the position of vice-captain in white-ball cricket. However, there is currently no official vice-captain for the Indian Test team.

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India's decision to omit Test vice-captain
 

Earlier this year, Jasprit Bumrah served as Rohit Sharma's deputy in the Test series against England. However, when the BCCI announced the squad for the Bangladesh series, the vice-captain tag was absent from Bumrah's name, and no other player was assigned the role.

Abhishek Nayar, a key member of the Gautam Gambhir-led support staff, explained the decision to omit a designated vice-captain in India's Test team. He noted that several players, including Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, who captain their respective franchises in the Indian Premier League, are already part of the Test squad.

"I think we need to understand that we have got a lot of IPL captains in this team. When you talk about the likes of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, hopefully a Yashasvi going forward. There are a lot of players who have led their franchises," Abhishek Nayar told the media on the eve of the 2nd Test in Kanpur.

 

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Nayar highlights leadership potential in young players
 

Abhishek Nayar emphasized that the young players in the Indian team have gained significant experience through their numerous matches and possess strong leadership qualities. He added that the presence of experienced leaders like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma creates a conducive environment for younger players to learn and develop their leadership skills at a faster pace.

 

"I wouldn't look at them as youngsters any more. Yes, they are youngsters in terms of age and the amount of cricket they have played. But, I think overall, mentally and in their development as a cricketer, I think they have the leadership qualities that are required. You don't need to have a vice-captain that should be designated," Abhishek Nayar said.
 

"I think overall, the thought process of these youngsters is of a senior player. It's of someone who has played a lot of cricket. With the likes of Virat and Rohit in the dressing room, it speedens that process where you are learning a lot faster on the go. I feel our future and all the youngsters are in great hands," Nayar added.

 

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India secured a comprehensive victory in the first Test against Bangladesh, with the second match scheduled for September 27 in Kanpur. Captain Rohit Sharma must prioritize his fitness in the coming months as India prepares for a three-match Test series against New Zealand at home, followed by the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.

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